Ever-Strong: Firefighter Culture After 9/11
Twenty-three years ago, a disastrous and unthinkable day in Lower Manhattan changed everything. For the world, it was a horrifying spectacle witnessed on every television, over every radio station, and in everyone’s conversations. For the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, New Yorkers, and thousands of victims and their families, it was the worst day of their lives.
September 11, 2001, forever altered the public perception of firefighting. People saw incredible bravery, courage, and sacrifice from men who ran into what others were desperately trying to escape. It’s true that people witnessed this bravery, courage, and sacrifice because they were watching firemen do their job.
FF Mike Kehoe of Engine 28 in the East Village ascending the North Tower on September 11, 2001. He survived and still works for FDNY at the age of 53.
The loss of 343 firefighters caused a profound sense of solidarity within the firefighting community. The sheer scale of the tragedy, unthinkable in any workforce, created a deep bond among firefighters nationwide. In the days, weeks, and months after the attack, firefighters from across the country and around the world arrived at Ground Zero to help search for survivors, recover victims, clear debris, and assist their brothers in any way they could, if only to show their support.
This shared sense of loss and duty has strengthened the tradition of camaraderie, making the firefighting brotherhood and sisterhood even more resilient. They grieved together, they healed together, they rebuilt together. The collective memory of 9/11 has become a touchstone for new generations of firefighters, reinforcing the importance of unity, mutual support, and the willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for others.
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In the wake of 9/11, firefighter training and safety protocols underwent significant changes. The enormity of the attacks highlighted the need for enhanced preparedness in dealing with large-scale emergencies. As a result, fire departments across the country re-evaluated their training programs, focusing more on disaster response, building collapse scenarios, and inter-agency coordination. The lessons learned from 9/11 have been integrated into daily practices, ensuring that firefighters are better equipped to handle a wide range of complex emergencies through consistent training and updated protocols.
September 11th also amplified the sense of purpose within the firefighting profession. The role of a firefighter was no longer just about responding to fires or emergencies; it became a symbol of national resilience and courage. This shift has inspired many to join the profession, motivated by the desire to serve their communities with the same dedication and bravery demonstrated by the firefighters on 9/11. The cultural emphasis on heroism and public service has been ingrained in the values passed down to new recruits, shaping the ethos of firefighting for generations to come.
The legacy of 9/11 within firefighter culture is one of remembrance and honor. Annual ceremonies, memorials, and the tradition of climbing 110 flights of stairs in tribute to the fallen have become integral parts of the firefighter identity. These rituals serve not only as a way to honor those who lost their lives but also as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the firefighting community. The impact of 9/11 continues to shape the culture of firefighting, instilling a sense of duty, resilience, and pride that remains unwavering in the face of adversity.
Today, the firefighter community remains steadfast in its resolve, yet the lasting impacts of 9/11 manifest not only in grief and memories but in medical conditions like cancer, which are becoming more prevalent among first responders, survivors, and recovery workers. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, according to research by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). FDNY firefighters involved in the 9/11 response are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, 219% more likely for thyroid cancer, and 41% more likely for leukemia.
Federal funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) initially operated for just three years (2001-2004). As survivors and those involved in recovery efforts continued to fall ill after 2004, it became evident that more action was needed. Thanks to persistent lobbying from firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and others suffering from chronic medical conditions and cancers linked to 9/11, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act) was signed into law on January 2, 2011. Title II of the Zadroga Act reactivated the September 11th VCF to operate for five more years, ending in October 2016.
The Zadroga Act was reauthorized in 2015, increasing funds and extending the time to file a claim until 2020. However, in February 2019, it was announced that there would not be sufficient funding for pending and projected claims because the funding was capped.
With persistent and dedicated lobbying once again from individuals directly impacted by 9/11 and its aftermath, President Trump signed H.R. 1327, The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The VCF Permanent Authorization Act extends the VCF’s claim filing deadline from December 18, 2020, to October 1, 2090, and appropriates whatever funds may be necessary to pay all eligible claims.
Retired FF Raymond J. Pfeifer, died from 9/11 related cancer in 2017.
The bond among firefighters does not stop at the doors of the firehouse, nor does their loyalty stop at their blood family. They will gather their fallen, they will walk into fire, and they will ensure that their brothers are taken care of.
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